BERMUDA CIVIC BALLET

Bermuda Civic Ballet, popularly referred to as Civic, celebrated its 45th anniversary this year. It is a non-profit organization and a registered charity. The concept of what Civic should and could be was the vision of Bermuda born Patricia Deane Gray.

Community Inclusiveness

The inaugural performance, Devil in the Village, a dramatization of a folk tale, exemplified the principles upon which Civic was founded – community inclusiveness and a contribution to Bermuda's cultural heritage. The artistic director for the programme was, very appropriately, Patricia Gray, who also danced one of the major roles. While other performers included experienced professional dancers from outside Bermuda, there were also a myriad of aspiring young Bermudian dancers.

From its inception, Civic intended its inclusiveness to extend beyond classical ballet to "theater-dance". That is, modern dance, tap and jazz. In 1974 Civic produced Invasion billed as a "selection of modern jazz and classical ballet" and in 1975 the production of Impressions had similar elements. In fact, Impressions marked an important milestone in the history of Civic. It was choreographed and produced entirely by Bermuda born and trained young people.

Professional Development

Over the years members of Civic have broadened their experience through the opportunity to work with many talented international choreographers, including Oscar Harmos, Madame Ana Roje, Charles Bennet, Marijan Bayer, Ron Cunningham, Patrick Woods, Royston Maldoon, Myles Marsden, Jelko Yuresha, Belinda Wright, Lawrence Haider and David Drummond. We have also been fortunate to have professional dancers working with us (like in 2007 – Martin Harvey and Bethany Keating) that show our dancers how important discipline and the shear love of your art is to success. We have been fortunate to have very sharing individuals with us, including our own Alison Masters, Moira Stott, Sophia Cannonier and Alexandra Duzevic.

Cultural Heritage

Among the highlights of Civic's history is the 1978 invitation to participate in the International Youth Festival in Aberdeen and London. A group of twenty members of the company werechosen to represent Bermuda. The quality and success of their performance lead to a similarinvitation in 1981.

Civic has been managed by a body of trustees committed to its principles and its development. The trustees have included prominent politicians and private individuals. Indeed, the first chairman was the Hon. John W. Swan, later Sir John Swan. He served as Chairman for twenty-one years until his resignation when the Hon. Jerome Dill assumed the position.

In recognition of Civic's significant cultural role, three categories of donors have continued to provide financial support: friends, patrons and honorary patrons, including individuals, businesses and other community organizations. Periodically, the Bermuda Government, through the Bermuda Arts Council, has also provided assistance. The significance of Civic's cultural role has been reinforced by the fact that several of Bermuda's Governors graciously have given their patronage to performances. Indeed, Government House has been the setting for a number of outdoor performances. The significance of Civic's role is affirmed also by the professional success of many of the young dancers who through experience and performance had the opportunity to develop with the company.

Bermuda Civic Ballet would like to thank all those persons who have provided assistance and support throughout the first 45 years including those that make the costumes, build the sets and stage, man the box office and countless other tasks. The company has appreciated the opportunity to be a part of Bermuda's artistic and cultural scene and looks forward to playing this role for years to come.